WALKING with JESUS: Reflections
I find myself reflecting upon the changes, the growth and sometimes the pitfalls that I’ve experienced along the way. I find that time has a way of creeping up on me more so now than I remembered in my youth and there seems to be less of it. Time, that is. I do hope, however, that these few words encourage you in one way or another. Perhaps they will trigger a thought or they may confirm that there is a blessing in our challenges, a purpose in our happiness and that, as the beloved bride of Christ, we are valued by Him in more ways that we are yet to imagine. We can accomplish whatever He desires for us because His words are unwavering and He has given us the ability to do all things through Him who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:14)
In the business of life, one can’t help but remember those comforting words, “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me”. In my reflective mood, I begin to wonder even more about that verse as I carefully understand each word, which seems to be more significant to me now than before. “I can” says that I’m unlimited, I am capable, competent and have been well equipped to carry out the task. The key, of course, is the choices that I make; to do, or not to do. “Do all things”. Well, let’s see now. I’ve been prepared as a daughter. I’ve had excellent mentors in my life who have imparted some of their wisdom to me so that as a wife, the road to marriage and its many challenges could be a little smoother. As a mother, I’ve had the benefit of many believers in my circle who have played important roles in helping me through motherhood. As a student, I believe I’ve had sound teaching and good instruction so that I can be a productive member of society. I survived college and “crunch time”. How hard can life be? So I guess I should be ready. Ready for the challenges and the disappointments; ready for the unforeseen circumstances and the many times there’s a change in plans, which comes more frequently than expected; ready to face whatever comes my way with a smile and a good attitude. “Through Christ who strengthens me.” Hmmm… “Through”. Well, in order for something to be through, that means it has to be presented, laid alongside, placed in between, threaded, enmeshed with. Well, I guess my hustling and bustling must be threaded through, enmeshed with, laid alongside the strength of my Lord, and Savior!
So why does life seem to pour upon me? Why does it seem to bring me more than I can handle? Why should certain things and situations cause me to worry if, in fact, I can do all things, I’ve been prepped and should have a good attitude? Well, therein lies the reality, in doing all things. The entire passage in Philippians 4 could be categorized as Paul’s circumstances, perspective, joy and mission in life. Paul writes the account of his suffering to encourage others. “Stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends.” (Philippians 4:1).
As a woman, a daughter, a wife, a mother and a friend, I find that I can only do all things through Christ who strengthens me as I gain experience in my own challenges, just as Paul did. Like Paul, I must also align myself with His will, encourage others through my experiences, walk alongside a fellow woman by sharing in her joys and sorrows, thread my desires through His word and enmesh my spirit with His. This is when I am made strong. It is not only in the joys of marriage or singlehood (when I was). Nor is it only in motherhood or in the carefree days of my youth when being with “my girls” was a priority. This strength is not found in monetary wealth or prosperity. In contrast, Paul’s message teaches that believers will endure suffering, yet can be content in any situation given Christ’s strength. Just as our Lord endured suffering for us at Calvary, I also have been given the ability to endure whatever situation comes my way.
No, the road to “Praise and Thanksgiving Avenue” is not easy to get to; they haven’t made a GPS that can lead you there. However, the Promise Keeper has already set the standard and He has mapped within us the road that we should travel. He has given us the strength and equipped us for the journey of life so that we can walk with the right attitude and bear the smile of grace and humility for all to see. From the heart of one to another, I pray that you dance to the cul de sac of “Testimony Road” as you reflect on your challenges. I also pray that you find strength within and see the blessing in those challenges so that you can be a blessing to another like you.
Editor’s Note: Do you have a testimony or a devotional thought that you’d like to share with your sisters in Christ? Send it to Cynny Anderson, CynnyArlene@verizon.net.
